Glutathione C is a glutathione IV treatment in which glutathione and vitamin C are given together through a drip into a vein. It is also called a glutathione drip.

Glutathione is a small molecule that your body makes itself. It is built from three amino acids, glycine, glutamate and cysteine, and is produced mainly in the liver. Its main jobs in the cells are:

• Antioxidant defense: it helps neutralize free radicals, unstable molecules that can damage cells.
• Antioxidant recycling: it helps other antioxidants, such as vitamins C and E, become usable again.
• Liver metabolism: it plays a role in how the liver processes certain substances and removes them from the body.

Levels can fall with age, stress, poor nutrition, smoking and some chronic illnesses; enough protein and sulfur-rich vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage and garlic support its production.

Vitamin C is a strong antioxidant involved in collagen production that the body cannot make itself. The two are known to support each other within the antioxidant system.

A glutathione drip aims to support the body’s antioxidant capacity against oxidative stress, the state in which free radicals outweigh the body’s defenses. Stress, cigarette smoke and air pollution can all increase it.

People usually consider Glutathione C for:

• Antioxidant support: to support cellular defenses against oxidative stress.
• Skin appearance: to help the skin look more radiant and bright.
• Energy: to support general well-being during busy, tiring periods.
• A holistic plan: as a complement to approaches such as medical detox and changes to your diet.

Human studies on intravenous glutathione are limited. For this reason, Glutathione C does not replace the treatment of any disease and is not offered as a skin-whitening treatment. For pigmentation, a dermatological assessment and suitable skin spot treatments come first. How people respond varies from person to person.

At our clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, it may also be planned alongside skin quality treatments, with the order and spacing decided at your consultation.

Glutathione C is planned after a medical assessment and any blood tests needed. You are asked about your health history, medicines and supplements. Because of the high-dose vitamin C, kidney function and G6PD enzyme levels are important, and the doctor decides which tests are needed.

1. You are examined and your blood test results are reviewed.
2. A thin cannula is placed in a vein in your arm.
3. The drip containing glutathione and vitamin C is given slowly.
4. You are monitored throughout the infusion.

The infusion usually takes about 20–30 minutes, under sterile conditions and medical supervision, and you can return to your day afterwards.

No special preparation is needed: eat a light meal, drink enough water and wear sleeves that roll up easily. If you have ever felt dizzy or fainted when an IV line was placed, tell the team in advance.

At our clinic, Glutathione C is usually planned as a course of 6–10 sessions, given once or twice a week. The number of sessions and their spacing are set by the doctor based on your needs, blood test results and how you respond.

Glutathione stays in the blood only briefly, so a single session should not be expected to make a noticeable difference. How long any effect lasts varies, and the course may be repeated in later months if needed.

How you feel is reviewed during the course, and the doctor may ask for follow-up blood tests; kidney function is monitored with repeated courses. If you take oral antioxidants or vitamin C supplements, tell your doctor, as this matters when planning the total dose.

Everyday habits are the foundation of antioxidant support: a diet rich in vegetables and fruit, regular sleep, not smoking and sun protection are all part of the plan.

Side effects of Glutathione C are usually mild and short-lived:

• Cannula site: mild bruising, tenderness or a cool feeling.
• Odor: because glutathione contains sulfur, you may notice a temporary sulfur smell on your breath or sweat.
• General: mild dizziness or nausea.

As with any IV treatment, an allergic reaction or infection may rarely occur. High-dose vitamin C can increase the risk of kidney stones in people who are prone to them, and in people with G6PD deficiency it can cause red blood cells to break down. That is why the assessment before treatment should never be skipped.

Tell the team straight away if you feel short of breath, itchy, notice a rash or have palpitations. Bruising usually fades within a few days; contact your doctor if swelling, redness or pain at the site increases.